Arabic version: احتجاجات الوقود تؤدي إلى نقص واسع في الوقود في أيرلندا

Hundreds of petrol stations in the Republic of Ireland have run out of fuel as protests over high prices continue for a fifth day. According to BBC News, about 500 forecourts have run out of petrol and diesel due to the protests, involving slow-moving convoys made up of vehicles including tractors.

The protests have been organised over the issue of high fuel prices caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran. The Irish government confirmed a fuel support package was being finalised after what it described as “constructive engagement” with representatives of the haulage and farming sectors.

The blockade of parts of Dublin city centre is continuing, with O’Connell Street and South Quay closed to traffic. Other disruption includes a blockade on the M50, with parts of the road closed, and the M7 at Portlaoise blocked in both directions. On the M8, at Cashel south, there is a blockage northbound. Road blocks are reported in Monaghan town and on the N2 bypass, on the M18/N18 in County Clare, and the M20/N20, between Patrickswell and Raheen in County Limerick. There are also blockades at three fuel-storage facilities.

Public transport has also been affected, with some services suspended and major disruption in Dublin. Bus Éireann said it would try to serve Dublin Airport passengers where possible, while people travelling to Shannon and Dublin Airports are advised to allow extra time. An Garda Síochána has declared an “exceptional event” in response to the fuel protests, allowing it to double the number of officers available to work.

Meetings between Irish ministers and stakeholders are expected to continue over the weekend. On Friday, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that there would be a “substantial and significant” package of support for “key sectors of the economy”. Harris said the talks were “going well”, adding that further “intensive engagement” into the weekend was likely. However, he added: “The blockade has to end.” Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the blockades meant the country was “on the precipice of turning oil away from the country” during a global oil supply crisis.

The protests started on Tuesday morning. Diesel in the Republic of Ireland has risen from about €1.70 to €2.17 per litre, with petrol prices also increasing significantly. The National Emergency Coordination Group has noted that fuel supplies for emergency response vehicles, including the ambulance service and fire service, are under “increasing pressure.”